Forest

"You know was well as I do." I told her and looked down at the ground "Hey, now. Look at me." I said softly. "Talk to me."


"We were trying to do something for the good of everyone. It's like Jon said, Brayden's just...homicidal. I just couldn't take that risk but I should have. I shouldn't have let things happen to you, Quin, and Raine. I should have been there."

"About what?" I whispered, still looking at the ground. Please god don't let me cry right now.



"Yes... you should have. I wish you had. Do you know... I would have left him for you?"

"You know I took care of Ezra after that happened to her. I stayed with her day and night while she suffered physically and emotionally. You can cry in front of me, Raine. Cry, scream, even kick my ass if it will make you feel better."


I looked down at her for a moment and didn't say anything "What about now? Do you still feel that way?"

"Nothing... will make me feel better. Don't you think I've tried?" I whispered.



"I care about Brett. But... I love you. I always have. I never stopped."

"I think you've tried but you haven't given other people a chance, Sunshine. That would require coming out of your bedroom. You're safe here and no one is going to hurt you."


"I love you too. I hope you believe that."

"I don't... believe that anymore."



"I do. I do believe that Parker."

"Look around and name one person who would hurt you."


"Good, because I never stopped. Not a single day or night has went by that I wasn't thinking of you."

"I didn't mean that... I meant... I don't believe I'm safe. Not anymore. I just... have a bad feeling... that something is gonna happen... I can't get rid of it. I don't want to be around anyone... or do anything... There isn't anything that makes me smile anymore."



"I never stopped thinking about you either. I never stopped loving you." I put my hands on his shoulders and leaned up, kissing him softly.

"Don't give him anymore power over you, Raine. You have to overcome this so they can't win. We can't give them what they want, believe me."


"But what about, Brett?"

"I don't... know how to do that... overcome it... I don't know how Asher."



"I care about him, but we're not together anymore. I'm in love with you. I lost you once. I won't lose you again."

"And you'll never figure out by hiding away and secluding yourself."


I smiled and pulled her into my arms "Quin isn't going to like this."


I was holding Daphne in my arms while setting with Carter, Cameron, Caleb, Ezra, Abi, Lea and Dean.

"I don't know what else to do. I don't... feel safe out here. If I sit in my room... up against the wall... I can see the window... and the door... I can see if anyone's coming. Did you know I... I keep a gun with me?"


"Oh Quin's going to hate it," I said and smiled at him.



"How's my girl doing?" I asked as I sat back down with plates for me and Brooke.

"Does Quin know?"


"Could make family dinners all awkward and shit."


"She's good as always. She's probably enjoying the fresh air as much as the rest of us."

"No. I haven't told anyone but you. Not even Gabe."

Raine

"Definitely, for awhile. But he'll come around."

Selma

I smiled. "I bet. This is one of the nicest days we've had for awhile."

Carter

"Has Q shown you how to use one before?"


"If you say so, baby."


"Yeah, it is. Weather wise, anyway." I said and looked towards Ezra. I really did feel bad about what had happened earlier.

"No. But I know how. I can figure it out. He'd... he'd flip if he found out I had one."



"I do. Have faith baby," I said and kissed him. "Come dance with me," I said against his lips.



I took Daphne from her and ate one handed. I looked in the direction she was and sighed. "She doesn't look so happy today. Does she?"

"Raine, you could really hurt yourself or someone else. If you'll let me have it, I promise to teach you how to use it."


"In front of everyone?" I asked her and then shrugged "Hey, if you're ready to pull that band aid I guess I am too." I took her hand and led her out of the trees.


"No, she doesn't. It's really bothering me. I hope she doesn't stay upset with him forever."

"You can teach me to use it better without taking it. I'm not giving it up."



"What's the point in waiting? Besides, we can't not dance at our own son's wedding."



I shrugged. "Can't blame her for being mad. I would be too."

I sighed "Yes, you are. If I have to take it, I will. I can't have you running around firing a weapon if something does go down. Like I said, you could hurt yourself or someone innocent. I'm sorry, Raine."


"Yeah, I guess you have a good point." I said and took her in my arms "I might be a little rusty."


"I don't blame her at all."


I watched Selma walk out with Parker and they started to dance. God, that pissed me off beyond words and I stood up only to have Lea grab my arm. "What?"


"I know what you're thinking but what good would it do, Brett? Please."


"It would make me feel a whole hell of a lot better. She fucking shit on me. I was good to her and I tried to be good to her kids too. Zoey is mine, god dammit."


"I'm sorry, you're hurting. But this isn't the time or the place."


"Fuck this. I'll see you at home." I got up and walked away from party.

I took a step back from him, moving out of his arms. "You're not my boss, and you're not in charge of me Asher. I'm not going to go crazy and shoot up the place. It doesn't leave my room."



"I can't believe she really almost shot him. She would've done it too."



"I'm pretty sure I'm rusty at the dancing thing too," I said and put my arms around his neck. I saw Brett leaving, obviously pissed, and sighed. "Here we go."

"I didn't say that you were going to shoot up anything, but you have Zoey in the house too. You shouldn't own one if you can't even operate it, Raine. There is no waiting around to figure it out. Me or Quin need to show you and until then you really shouldn't have it."


"Which is very irrational."


I stood up and watched him go and looked back to Selma and Parker, my blood boiling.


"Don't do it. You just told Brett that it isn't the time or place."


"It wasn't for him. It's perfect for me." I said and started moving towards them "Do you enjoy flaunting in front of my brother?" I asked her.

"You or Quin can show me, but I'm not giving you the fucking gun. I can use it well enough that I'm not a danger to anyone. I know how to aim Asher, I'm not stupid."



"Extremely irrational. But that's Ezra for you, she can get a bad temper."



"Excuse me? I'm not flaunting anything actually, just enjoying the music. Maybe you should go do the same."

"Come on, Sunshine. I never said you were stupid." I said and easily pulled her back to me "Fine, you can keep it. But I still want to give you lessons, okay?"


"Yeah, I seen that. But Jon isn't a bad person and she would see that if she'd try to be understanding and actually listen to him. I'm not saying she doesn't have a right to be upset, I was too."


"Oh, I was. Until I had to watch my brother walk away because you insist on shoving whoever the fuck this is in his face."

"Fine," I said and laid my head on his chest. "I'm sorry. Please... don't tell Quin about the gun. You can give me all the lessons you want. Just... please don't tell him."



"Why were you upset?" I asked, turning my head to look at her. "How well do you know him anyway?"

"Actually, I wasn't shoving anyone or anything in his face. Just enjoying a dance. I know he's your brother Lea, but he's a grown man. He's doesn't need you to fight his battles for him. Our relationship didn't work out, he left, and what happened is none of your business."